Job Summary

Provides safe, competent evidence-based nutritional therapy that meets the standards of practice and the scope of practice as stated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Manages the individual's nutrition care in collaboration with the health care team and other nutrition professionals.

Job Duties

• Assesses individual needs through synthesis of information obtained through the assessment interview, food and nutrition and related histories, review of the medical record, and discussion with other members of the interdisciplinary health care team.
• Develops a plan to meet assessed needs including recommendations regarding: the composition of diet and meal patterns and supplements; and the volume, rate, and composition of parenteral and enteral feedings.
• Confers with the health care team to develop goals related to patient care and resident.
• Plans and coordinates the use of special dietary regimens.
• Confers with Food Services Management Staff on issues related to food service.
• Documents initial assessment plans for nutritional care and progress relative to same in the medical record in accordance with established standards.
• Evaluates nutritional status of individuals and makes recommendations regarding provision of optimal care.
• Counsels individuals, families, and care provider on normal nutrition and therapeutic diets with consideration given to the individual's educational, cultural, and socioeconomic background.
• Functions as a resource for other staff dietitians and health care team members regarding the nutritional management of patients and residents within his and her scope of specialty practice.
• Defines standards of practice for specific area of nutrition.
• Evaluates the cost and effectiveness of special products and recommends changes needed.
• Contributes to department goal setting as it relates to the nutrition area of practice.
• Collaborate in or conduct food and nutrition research to demonstrate food and nutrition-related outcomes and to develop food and nutrition policy and recommendations for individuals, groups, and special population.
• Consult, educate, and advocate on behalf of individuals, groups, and special populations regarding food, culinary, nutrition and health issues, food security and insecurity, nutrition programs, nutrition wellness and resources.
• Participates in design, development, implementation, and evaluation of education programs for dietetic interns, affiliating students and Geisinger personnel relative to Clinical Nutrition Services.
• Serves as a member of the Dietetic Internship Faculty or as preceptor and mentor for other dietetic interns and students and staff.
• Perform human resource functions consistent with job responsibilities as delegated by supervisor: may participate with interviewing, assist with setting up orientation and training, may assist in scheduling, competence assessment and peer review process, provides feedback for staff performance evaluation, mentoring for professional development, and practice advancement.
• Contributes to and designs referral process and systems to facilitate public access to Registered Dietitians.
• Receives referrals for services and make referrals to other relevant health care professional.
• Participates in developing and evaluating the effectiveness of referral tools and processes.
• Directs and manages referral processes and systems.
• Design and implement outcome-based quality assurance and performance improvement activities to document outcomes of service; compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures; and monitor and address customer satisfaction.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements including but not limited to Joint Commission on Accreditation Health Organization, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
• Participates in action plans, as needed.
• Compiles statistics and completes Clinical Productivity worksheets on a timely basis (monthly).
• Self-evaluates results and monitors for trends and changes in productivity related to workload.
• Develop and use electronic information management tools for practice, research, and education.
• Creates, evaluates, reviews, revises, patient instruction materials and recipe and food products for the patient and resident menu.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Position Details

As a valued Dietitian at Geisinger, you can expect:

• Cutting-edge, top-of-scope practice – including independent order writing, protocol medication adjustments, and more
• Our medical team seeks and implements our recommendations for their patients
• Career growth through our Professional Development Program
• Growing Specialties: Pediatrics, Senior Care, Outpatient Diabetes Management, and Outpatient Nutrition

We take pride in the support we provide:

• 5% contribution to your retirement plan
• Generous paid time-off package
• Comprehensive suite of healthcare benefits, including medical, prescription drug, vision and dental coverage. Geisinger healthcare professionals receive a discount on all medical benefits.

Education

Bachelor's Degree- (Required)

Experience

Minimum of 8 years-Related work experience (Required)

Certification(s) and License(s)

Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist - Default Issuing Body

OUR PURPOSE & VALUES: Everything we do is about caring for our patients, our members, our students, our Geisinger family and our communities. KINDNESS: We strive to treat everyone as we would hope to be treated ourselves. EXCELLENCE: We treasure colleagues who humbly strive for excellence. LEARNING: We share our knowledge with the best and brightest to better prepare the caregivers for tomorrow. INNOVATION: We constantly seek new and better ways to care for our patients, our members, our community, and the nation. SAFETY: We provide a safe environment for our patients and members and the Geisinger family We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. Perhaps just as important, from senior management on down, we encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality. We know that a diverse workforce with unique experiences and backgrounds makes our team stronger. Our patients, members and community come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and it takes a diverse workforce to make better health easier for all. We are proud to be an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

We are an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer Women and Minorities are Encouraged to Apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or their protected veteran status.